Lockheed Martin Signs CRADA to Demonstrate Airborne Networking

Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force’s Electronic Systems Center (ESC) have signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop advanced tactical and airborne network communications capabilities. Lockheed Martin, in cooperation with ESC and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, NY, will independently validate airborne network architecture for joint tactical networks. The airborne network CRADA will also reduce risk for the government and accelerate fielding of airborne network capabilities. “The Airborne Network CRADA offers Lockheed Martin and all the Services an opportunity to jointly accelerate needed capabilities for the warfighter,” said Dom Costa, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Joint Tactical Radio System. “Airborne network communications are essential for mission success and this research, along with the other independent research Lockheed Martin is conducting, will allow the military to employ new capabilities at a lower cost and with reduced risk. We look forward to working with ESC and AFRL on this critical capability.”